Afghanistan: United Nations reports increase in civilian casualties

Event

On Monday, July 17, he United Nations released a new report on civilian casualties amid the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. According to UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), 1662 civilians have been killed and another 3500 wounded in the first six months of this year. This represents a 2 percent increase in deaths compared to the same time period in 2016. UNAMA said that the majority of people were killed by anti-government forces including the Taliban and the Islamic State (IS). Almost 20 percent of casualties were reported in the capital city of Kabul. The UN believes that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and fighting between ground forces are the main cause for the increase in casualties.

Context

The Taliban has made gains in several parts of the country since most foreign combat troops withdrew from Afghanistan at the end of 2014. The US-led coalition has redeployed hundreds of troops to Helmand, however, to train and advise Afghan forces, as well as provide occasional air support. Foreign forces battled the Taliban in Helmand for years after the ousting of the militant group from power in late 2001.

Advice

Individuals present in Afghanistan are advised to rmaintain a low profile, remain extremely vigilant, and to report any suspicious objects or behavior. As a reminder, some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the country due to a high threat from kidnapping, terrorism, and frequent and widespread lethal attacks against Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, domestic and international political and civilian targets, and individuals working in the humanitarian and reconstruction fields. Travel to the country should only be undertaken with proper security protocols in place.